Baraa Al Nweran is a dedicated educator specialising in Arabic Language and Islamic Education, with over thirteen years of experience in teaching and educational leadership across the United Arab Emirates and Syria.
Originally from Syria, Baraa has been residing in Dubai since 2009, where she has worked in several prestigious schools following both American and British curricula. She has focused particularly on aligning Ministry of Education subjects within these international systems. Baraa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies from the University of Damascus, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from Ajman University, and a Master’s degree in Arabic Language. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Arabic Language at Al-Madinah International University in Malaysia and is expected to graduate in the near future.
Throughout her career, Baraa has served in diverse educational roles, including Arabic and Islamic Education teacher, Qur’an teacher and supervisor, Arabic Subject Leader, and Head of MOE in both American and British curriculum schools, including the GEMS Education group.
She holds an Ijazah (licence) in Qur’anic recitation with a continuous chain of transmission (Sanad) to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, in the narration of Ḥafṣ from ʿĀṣim via the Shāṭibiyyah method. She is also a certified trainer accredited by the Canadian Training Centre. In addition to her leadership and teaching roles, Baraa is a published author with four books in children’s literature and critical studies, and an active educational researcher who has presented peer-reviewed papers at both local and international conferences.
Baraa firmly believes in the importance of blending tradition with innovation in education. She considers values, identity, and cultural heritage to be essential components in shaping well-rounded learners. One of the most influential figures in her educational journey has been the late Dr Samira Al-Zayyed, whose books and teachings in prophetic biography (Sīrah) and narrative storytelling have left a lasting impact on her professional and personal philosophy.
In her spare time, Baraa enjoys reading with her friends as part of a cultural book club, and cherishes spending meaningful moments with her children through play and family-friendly television programmes.
Jahida Janna is a qualified Science teacher (Biology specialist) with over 15 years of experience in teaching students up A-levels and over 6 years of experience in middle leadership. Jahida
graduated from the University of Westminster, London with a BSc in Biological Science as well as a post graduate qualification in Secondary Science from the University of Greenwich, London.
She first started her teaching career as a Science teacher and Biology teacher in a large secondary school located in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, London. During her tenure at this school, Jahida went on to obtain a Lead Practitioner accreditation as well as becoming the Deputy Head of Year 10/11.
Jahida first arrived to the UAE in 2015 and takes great pleasure and pride in referring to the UAE as her home. Since arriving to the UAE as Biology teacher, Jahida went on to become a Head of Science at Whole School level as well as Head of 6th Form in a British Curriculum School, with a track record of outstanding results at both KS4 and KS5. In her most recent role in Dubai, Jahida was the founding Secondary Science HOD and was involved in successfully establishing the Secondary Science team.
As a passionate teacher, Jahida believes in creating opportunities for students to extend their learning beyond the classroom, with links being made to everyday life. Jahida also believes that as a teacher, she has a responsibility to ensure her students leave secondary school equipped with the skills and strategies to effectively adjust to life outside of school.
Neelam Bhatti is a passionate leader who holds both a BSC degree in Psychology and Masters in Applied Psychology from Liverpool Hope University. Neelam was born and raised in Manchester, UK and has been a proud resident of the UAE since 2018.
Neelam previously taught for many years in the UK before moving to a school in Qatar where she was appointed as Head of Inclusion. Neelam considers herself a lifelong learner and has continued with her own education to gain a Post Graduate in Special Educational Needs, an NPQSL leadership qualification and deeper training in inspections.
Since moving to the UAE, she has further grown to take leadership of a large and successful British Curriculum school as Primary Headteacher with responsibility for over 2000 children.